John Legend - " It's All About John" the concert

On June 18th, 2009 John Legend "it's all about John" the concert" will take place at a still to be disclosed location , in Trinidad. Last evening the media were invited to the VIP room at Coco Lounge for the details on this Nu Wave Consortium concert, which promises to be a musical experience that will transcend all concert norms and expectations.The gifted singer, songwriter and pianist will be accompanied by his entire band in an hour-long performance of the innovative and soulful material produced in his three platinum-selling albums.

As part of Bmobile's Hot Ticket Promotion, VP of mobile services Anthony Joseph intimated that Bmobile will not only be giving away tickets to the John Legend concert, but that there will also be lots of other prizes to be won making this "the best vacation ever". Bmobile and Toyota are the corporate sponsors of the John Legend concert.

Former Head of A&R and International for Sony BMG Canada Ivan Berry, who is a son of the Caribbean from St Kitts, is working in partnership with Ian Wiltshire to develop Caribbean artistes for the international stage.

To this end, Mr Berry sees the John Legend concert as an opportunity for Caribbean talent outside of the Calypso, Soca and Reggae genre of music to gain industry experience as John Legend will be bringing his road management team to Trinidad for the concert with the Opening Act being none other than debutante artiste Crystal Kane from Trinidad and Tobago.

John Legend's endorsement associate and friend, Robert De Souza spoke on John's philanthropy and unparalleled achievements to date, having won six Grammy Awards as well as being involved in several charities such as The Show Me Campaign started by John Legend in 2007.

Ebony 104's Adrian Don Mora, host for the evening, expressed that the news of John Legend's concert has thus far brought an overwhelming response from the public as tickets went on sale yesterday, May 21st.

In addition to $180.00 TT General Admission tickets, concert goers will also be able to choose from Gold VIP ($350.00TT) and the Cloud 9 VVIP package which was described as a " heavenly experience".

General Admission tickets available from:
Francis Fashion and Shoe Locker outlets nationwide
Just Cds, Port of Spain
Limited Edition, Arima
Bobby's Bar, Curepe

VIP concert tickets available from:
Bootlegger's, Trincity Mall
T.G.I. Fridays
Select Francis Fashion and Shoe Locker outlets

Please note, Cloud 9 VVIP tickets will be available strictly from Committee Members.

One lucky guest last evening won TWO VIP Gold tickets in a random draw, presented by Darlene Beddoe:

The three men of the hour; Roger De Souza, Ivan Berry and Ian Wiltshire:

Local chanteuse Shazelle is another artiste working with Ivan Berry and Ian Wiltshire. At 24 Shazelle describes her style as pop with a little bit of rock and has topped the local charts with her single "Elevator". You can learn more about Shazelle and view her videos at her official website www.Shazelle.com or Facebook Fan Page.

CORRECTION:
Robert De Souza was previously incorrectly identified ad John Legend's Endorsement Lawyer, please note that Mr De Souza is Mr Legend's Endorsement Associate. My apologies for any discrepancies that this may have inadvertently caused.

Machel Montano HD "Raw & Uncut" @ Radio City Music Hall

click to enlarge

YOU HAVE NEVER SEEN MACHEL LIKE THIS: RAW & UNCUT!!!
ONE NIGHT/ONE SHOW ONLY!!!

June 13th would be BIGGER than the madness the world witnessed at the 4 SOLD OUT SHOWS @ Madison Square Garden last year and the year before!!! MSG will hold NO COMPARSION to the jamming that will be going on JUNE 13th! This is the year to witness Machel perform AT HIS BEST from Classic to Current. Over 25 years of music will jamming in RADIO CITY THAT NIGHT!!

Tickets are on sale NOW at www.ticketmaster.com and JW Records (Church Ave & Nostrand)

Also hitting the stage that night: RED HOT FLAMES, PATRICE ROBERTS, FARMER NAPPY, ZAN & UMI MARCANO.

This is another one for the HISTORY BOOKS!!!! SOCA IN RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL...W.O.W!!!

Crop Over Band Launch Dates

Jump promotions launches "Sweet fuh Days" on Friday May 22nd:

And, I have heard that Baje will launch on June 5th followed by Power X Four on June 2oth with their Crop Over 2009 presentation "Love & Revelry".

A new Crop Over band for 2009 has already made it's debut, Rebel Vibes the band launched on May 16th, "Pyschomachia". All Seven sections, based on the 7 Deadly Sins, are priced at $400.00bds female and $300.00bds male.

Rebel Vibes is all inclusive and their package includes:

• Two (2) fully stocked premium drink's trucks.
• The Rebel’ self serve Heineken, Punch & Water Van.
• One (1) fully loaded 20’ music truck with one (1) of Barbados’ leading sound companies DAPS!
• Hot buffet lunch at the end of the Jump.
• Various snacks and treats throughout the day.
• Private security on the route assisted by our experienced road crew.
• On-site paramedic team & ambulance
• Straight forward, trouble-free registration at the band house.
• Goodies Bag (Crop over Essentials and Souvenirs)
• Mobile Restrooms
• RebelVibes Membership Card which Entitles you to Discounts at Participating Outlets across Barbados
• And of course, your costume and the RebelVibes Experience!

For more information on Rebel Vibes you can check out their Facebook group, website or email rebelvibes@hotmail.com. The Band house is located at The Boatyard, Bay Street, opening Hours below.

Monday - 12:00pm - 6:00pm
Tuesday - 12:00pm - 6:00pm
Wednesday - 12:00pm - 6:00pm
Thursday - 12:00pm - 6:00pm
Friday - 12:00pm - 8:00pm (Band house Lime)
Saturday - 12:00pm - until
Sunday 12:00 - 3:00pm

Crop Over 2009 News

As Islandsista noted a few days ago Harbour Lights "Blue Box Cart" band launched on May 3rd and their facebook group is finally updated with some more photographs of the costumes though no additional information is given. Apparently this is one band that does not need marketing or promotion to sell out!

And you know that Crop Over band launch season is around the corner when Baje starts their model search:

click to enlarge

PHOTO SOURCE HERE.

Solid International Band Launch Photos

You can view photos from Solid International's Band Launch, which took place on Saturday May 16th here.

The Antigua Carnival 2009 presentation is entitled "Awaken in Africa" and the eight sections are as follows:

VICTORIA FALLS (white)

MIDNIGHT MYSTICS (purple)

JUNGLE FEVER (green)

FLAMINGO (pink)

AFRICAN DANCERS (yellow)

MAASI TRIBE (red)

SAILFISH (blue)

CHEETAH

Solid International's website is www.solidmas.com, however it is not updated as yet!

The Ganges Meets the Nile, Caribana 2009

So, someone sent me these photos of the section "DE CHARMER AND HE SNAKE OIL GALS" from the Caribana 2009 band Callaloo's presentation "The Ganges Meets the Nile".

Words. fail. me. on. this. costume......wow is all I can say!!

There is an early bird special if you register for this section before the mas camp opens:

CALLALOO
THE GANGES MEETS THE NILE
BAND #4 IN PARADE
SECTION "DE CHARMER AND HE SNAKE OIL GALS"
COLOURS TEAL, SILVER,ORANGE
EARLY BIRD PRICE UNTIL MAS CAMP OPENING
$99 INC LUNCH & REFRESHMENTS
REGISTRATION OPEN
SECTION DESIGNERS & LEADERS:
NIKKI 647 210 9338
NICCI 416 668 7000
RANDY 416 4022506

Moving right along, here is the order of appearance for bands at Caribana 2009:

click on photo for large view

In Antigua Carnival News

Myst has launched their website and online registration is available. What I find interesting is that there is an option for actual bra sizes instead of the S, M,L,XL that was available for the same costumes in Island People this year. Open registration is also open to all at the Myst Mansion in Antigua from today, remember to walk with your 50% deposit.

At 9PM tonight Solid International launches their Antigua Carnival 2009 presentation "Awaken in Africa" at Paradise Lawn . The fete/band launch will see entertainment by El a Kru featuring Tizzy, Nadia Baston, Zoelah, Lil Bits and The Duchess. For more information on where to get tickets click HERE.

New Blog on the Block...

Islandsista, the spirit of the Caribbean woman ...online is a new blog to watch for Carnival chatter and gossip!

Islandsista has a photo of the first band to launch for Crop Over 2009, Ravurz, whose website is already up and running! In addition she provides some gossip about Baje International:

In some suss, we have been hearing that one of Barbados’ premier bands, Baje International may not even be holding its regular weekly band fetes this year. We have heard that they will just hold a few of their ‘major’ parties that are crowd-pullers, like their Paint fete for Foreday Morning.

Though they would probably deny it publicly, Baje has been having a rough time of it the last two years. The awe that other bands and party-goers used to hold them in, is long gone and it is starting to show.

For the full scoop check out Islandsista now!

Nine more months, are you body ready?

It is exactly nine more months until Trinidad Carnival 2010, and though there may not be much excitement as yet with everything still under wraps (note we have yet to receive an infoblast or email with band launch dates or 2010 presentations) you, yes YOU, can start getting ready for the fabulous costumes in store by putting that fitness and diet plan into action.

I don't know about the rest of you guys (since there are some die hard gym bunnies who are working out 365 days a year) but each year I make the promise to myself to start getting Carnival body ready as SOON as I have laid eyes on my costume of choice. Following band launch I have all these lofty goals of hitting the gym and carefully starting a diet plan that would help me achieve my goal of losing that magic number of pounds that I think would make me happy enough to sport my thong all over town.

What REALLY happens is that I procrastinate, life gets in the way of my plans, and I make excuses. I am too busy with band launches or traveling or just celebrating birthdays and anniversaries, relaxing at some all inclusive resort stuffing my face as if there is no Carnival in a few months. And then by the time I know it, Christmas is around the corner and you know dieting at Christmas is near impossible so what results is a frantic, over ambitious plan to lose the weight just two months before Carnival when January hits.

I have done it before and I continue to do it, getting caught in this vicious cycle, putting my body under unnecessary stress! This year I embarked on the South Beach diet hard core, to be honest I started before Christmas and then the diet got derailed and I had to start all over in the new year. Of course I saw GREAT results when I started, the numbers on the scale went down impressively in the first two weeks after the induction stage. However being on a low carbohydrate diet has it's side effects and cons. The numbers on the scale were going down and so too was my energy!

To even get the willpower to get on the treadmill was torture, but with the pressure of Carnival right around the corner I did manage to squeeze in SOME carido activity while on the South Beach diet. Let me tell you, it was hard but I did manage to come closer to my weight loss goal in such a short space of time. In addition, I did something that is not recommended, but was motivated by pure vanity. Since I was feeling bloated (note I did not say I looked bloated) as I was expecting my gift from mother nature right after Carnival, I got advice from someone to try a diuretic pill. Now I had never taken a water pill, as they are commonly known, before but I read up on the side effects and decided I would try it anyway.

The result was the bloated feeling evaporated and in no time at all I thought I LOOKED smaller and was quite pleased. However this meant the days prior to Carnival I could not be far from a toilet as the pill made you urinate constantly and on the road I had to drink lots, and lots and lots of water which STILL did not make me feel any less dehydrated! I was like camel, even after Carnival, with an insatiable thirst.

Looking back I think it was a stupid thing to do especially as I know of another masquerader who was so extreme with their weight loss plan that they were not eating, taking diuretics and got ill on Carnival Tuesday having to leave the band very early. So my point is that instead of waiting until January to do the impossible with crazy diets, diet pills and dangerous diuretics, why not start by putting plans and goals in place now? I know, it is a rhetorical question, but seriously 9 months is more than enough time to lose weight the RIGHT way with diet and exercise so what are you waiting for!?

In the end I was okay with the weight I managed to lose for Carnival, but of course it was not a weight loss that remained as I put those pounds right back on;I have not gone on a scale since then! I am proud of my friends and fellow masqueraders who have continued with the Zumba classes, gym and yoga even after Carnival is just a distant memory to us all and I have finally taken the steps into losing the weight for 2010 the proper way. I have been advised to get at least 3 days of exercise in for the week for now, as well as to do a meal plan at mypyramid.gov to jump start this fitness plan. I have two weeks to start this and report back to my advisor so I will let you all know how it is working for me.

Which brings me to the inspiration for today! This is a masquerader who lost her weight through exercise (religiously going to the gym) and a sensible diet plan, over the course of 6 months; her starting weight was 210 lbs in September 2008 and she reached 167 lbs in February!

Before @ 210 lbs




After @ 167lbs




I hope her journey can be as much as an inspiration for you as it was for me! Way to go girl!

It's getting Toxik!

So, I was informed that Red Unlimited does not compete in St Lucia Carnival hence the reason they reuse costumes from Trinidad Carnival and I also got confirmation from Spice that Sea Salt Frontline was sold to Red under the conditions that the design be modified.

I am not going to get into any long debate about the reuse of costumes from Trinidad in other Carnivals, especially since the overseas masqueraders do not seem to mind wearing recycled costumes and the Trinidad bands are trying to recoup their losses; who am I to decry them for making a dollar?

However, I thought it interesting that St Lucian Carnival band Toxik not only has TWO sections from Pulse 8 Trinidad Carnival 2009 as sections in their presentation "Dreams...Living the Impossible";

Pulse 8 band launch, Trinidad Carnival 2009


Toxik, St Lucia Carnival 2009




BUT they also recycled a costume that has already been recycled in 2007 by the band Just 4 Fun!!

Wicked Waitress, Pulse 8 2007


Just 4 Fun St Lucia Carnival 2007

Wicked Waitress (Pulse 8 2007) is brought to life yet again as "De Javu"...de ja vu indeed!!

"De Javu"
Toxik St Lucia Carnival 2009



TOXIK PHOTO SOURCE:
www.thesweet7.com

Caesar's Army Cruises to Crop Over

Since Triniscene's Destination Crop Over is now defunct, party outfit Caesar's Army has put together a Crop Over package especially for Trinidadians:

CAESAR’S ARMY:
CRUISES TO CROP OVER ‘09
JULY 31ST TO AUGUST 4TH


ACCOMMODATION:
ACCRA BEACH HOTEL AND RESORT

4 NIGHTS
(Based on Double Occupancy)
(Includes Breakfast)
(30% off Spa)

DOUBLE OCCUPANCY: $300 USD
(Individually occupied): $600 USD
================================

KADOOMENT COSTUME:
COSTUME IN BAJE INTERNATIONAL
ALL INCLUSIVE TRINIDAD SECTION
===========================================

FLIGHT:
TOTAL COST: $260.00 USD
-RATE SUBJECT TO CHANGE BASED ON DATE OF RESERVATION-
===============================

PACKAGE OPTIONS:
Crop Over Experience.
We are aware that all requests would not be the same thus we have put together all possible options.


(Prices are quoted in both US dollars as well as TT dollars)
The 2 hotel rate options are from July 31st to August 4th (4 nights):
1) If you will be splitting the cost and sharing the room with someone else (option 1)
2) If you will be occupying the room ALONE (1 person) (option 2)
3) Not in the cost is the option of a 3rd person in the room, an additional $50USD per night


PACKAGE OPTIONS:

1)
COSTUME+FLIGHT+HOTEL:
$820(shared occupancy)USD
$1120(individually occupied)USD
____________________
2)
COSTUME+FLIGHT:
$520USD
$3280TTD
____________________
3)
FLIGHT+HOTEL:
$570(shared occupancy)USD
$870(individually occupied)USD
____________________
4)
COSTUME+HOTEL:
$550(shared occupancy)USD
$850(individually occupied)USD



HOTEL: ACCRA BEACH RESORT AND SPA (BREAKFAST INCLUSIVE & 30% OFF @ SPA)
COSTUME: BAJE INTERNATIONAL (TRINIDADIAN SECTION)
FLIGHT: CARIBBEAN AIRLINES (FLIGHT DATE IS FLEXIBLE AND CAN BE DECIDED BY YOURSELF)



(Prices are quoted in both US dollars as well as TT dollars)
The 2 hotel rates are from July 31st to August 4th (4 nights):
1) If you will be splitting the cost and sharing the room with someone else
2) If you will be occupying the room ALONE (1 person)
3) Not in the cost is the option of a 3rd person in the room, an additional $28USD per night


DEADLINE DATE:
FLIGHT: MAY 22ND
COSTUME: JUNE 8TH
HOTEL: JUNE 8TH

NB. Any bookings for FLIGHT after the stated deadline date cannot be guaranteed as they are based upon availability.


Caesar's Army will be taking bookings for Costume and Accommodation at the premier beach resort in Barbados.
Fetes are decided by yourself and are your sole responsibility.


Requests for booking accommodation need to be in by June 8th 2009.

LOOK OUT FOR OUR PRE CROP OVER ADVENTURES AND LIMES

You can find out more about Caesar's Army Cruises to Crop Over HERE. Or email julius49@gmail.com

Kirk Thomas in the Caribbean...

My favourite makeup artist, Kirk Thomas, is making movements in the Caribbean at the moment having done makeup for photoshoots and band launches in St Vincent and St Lucia (he did the makeup for Red's photo shoot) . Kirk is now in Barbados ,a s I have been informed ,to do work with Baje International!

Here is a look at the work Kirk has done for the Hot 97 Section in St Vincent:

And Red Unlimited, St Lucia Carnival:



Also, take a look at the modern Geisha look done by Kirk, I LOVE it!

This is gorgeous , I am seeing this as dramatic makeup for Carnival 2010... ideas, ideas, ideas!



Some more makeup artistry by Kirk that will fit the Asian theme for 2010:

To get up to date information on Kirk and his work join his Facebook Fanpage, Kirk Thomas Makeup Artistry where you will be kept in the loop.

Spice is this you?

So leaked photos of Red Unlimited's "Reflections of Rio" hit the internet ahead of their St Lucia Carnival 2009 launch last night .

The unedited shots showed a costume that looks VERY much like Spice's sea salt with a wire bra and admittedly different headpiece:



And here is the section "Costa El Silver" poster as seen on Red's website:

The costume surely fits Red's theme and it is a nice version of Spice' s Sea Salt, however last year Red also showed a costume from Trinidad Carnival 2008 at their launch, "D Mang from Ronnie and Caro. Consequently that costume was replaced after both Sweet 7 and I wrote about it.

I am still awaiting official confirmation from Spice as to if this costume is an unauthorized copy since some people seem to think that the costume is a Sea Salt rip off.

However I have been VERY reliably informed that the designer of the sections for Red did indeed get the costumes that did not sell as well as materials from SPICE!

PHOTO SOURCE:
www.redcarnival.net

Toronto Revellers Band Launch

Once again Karabana is working hard as she has your first look at Toronto Revellers "Brazil .. Bacchanal in Rio" presentation for Caribana 2009, check out the band launch pics on her blog here.

And yes Kara, one cannot help but notice the feathered arm pieces on that fuchsia pink costume, this is the third Caribana band to copy a costume element from Trinidad Carnival 2009.

And while I no doubt understand that inspiration comes from many places, I would still point out the similarity in design in any band, even one in Trinidad. As I said before, imitation is probably the sincerest form of flattery and in 2009 the designers from TRIBE should be overly flattered!

PHOTO SOURCE:
karabana.blogspot.com

Saucy Speaks!

I will be the first to the admit that there has been a dearth on information surrounding Trinidad Carnival 2010 , and as much as I have been hearing bits and pieces of information it comes with me being sworn to secrecy as it seems everyone wants to keep their designs and ideas under warps!

Anyway, it is mind numbingly boring having nothing to talk about when it comes to Trinidad Carnival, especially with SO much gossip floating around , gossip that comes with the caveat "don't say I say", so, just to spice things up a bit I WILL say this:

• There will be an “India” section in one band (not going to say which one) but I heard it will be absolutely gorgeous, and with this designer one can expect LOADS of accessories and jewelry for the costume. I cannot wait to see it!

• Word on the street is that is that an Island People designer who always leads the band is leaning towards turquoise and fuchsia , interesting combination…..

• I have been most distressed that “not a lot of feathers” are going to be used throughout TRIBE due to the theme, I mean after practically plucking all the feathers for the birds this year are we to go back to circa “What Lies Beneath” with abstract wire headpieces? Say it isn't so!!! And while I can clearly see that SOME sections will possibly try to do more ornate headpieces, throw us feather lovers a bone and at least offer an option for LOTS of feathers! I know SPICE is doing a similar theme and THEY are surely having feathers on their costumes.

• On that note, why is it that I am hearing a certain dynamic design duo have been asked to “keep their designs simple” to give a certain band a fighting chance? Hello, I am not paying for simple! And besides, if said band wants a fighting chance why not hire certain dynamic duo instead of the defector “band leader”? Surely with the accumulation of designers and "talent" in said band they can whip up some designs to compete, not so ? I am so getting a feeling that 2009 was the peak of costume creativity and gorgeousness and 2010 will be a repeat of the years when the costume was "complimentary"!

• And finally guess which band is SUPPOSEDLY only doing only 10 sections for 2010? Is it possible that they FINALLY heeded masquerader’s cries for a smaller band? Only time will tell!

Carnival Nationz Photos on Triniscene

MUCH better photos of Carnival Nationz launch, with close ups and full views of the costume, than those currently on the website can be seen on TRINISCENE.

Click on the photo below to be taken to the gallery:

News from Myst Antigua, Carnival 2009

Got this Myst update in my in box and since their website is not up as yet I have decided to share the fact that registration begins tomorrow for all past Myst masqueraders as well as share photos of the various sections, please note the prices are in EC dollars not US!

Registration begins on Saturday May 9th at the MYST MANSION exclusively for existing MYSTICS from noon till six.

Prices in EC Dollars:

Hope (Exclusive)
$ 850.00


Mystery (Frontline)
$ 850.00

Mystery
$ 750.00, $ 700.00


Life
$ 750.00, $ 700.00


Bachanal (Frontline)
$ 850.00

Bachanal
$ 750.00


Candy (Frontline)
$ 850.00

Candy
$ 750.00


Fantasy
$ 750.00


Nature
$ 750.00,$ 700.00


Bustiers for all sections available at an additional cost $ 100.00

For more information contact :
268-46-4MYST OR 268-78-4MYST

PHOTO SOURCE:
Antigua Carnival Group

Mas Camp Centre

Last May Anton "Bootsman" Gabriel of Toronto retired from corporate life and started an organization called Mas Camp Centre , a Carnival museum of sorts where 15o donated costumes are on display.

Mas Camp Centre will be celebrating it's anniversary this May with a free open house, so those of you who are interested in viewing the costumes over the years this is a great opportunity.

Some more information on Mas Camp Centre:

Mas Camp Centre
History:

Trinidad & Tobago carnival is now celebrated in over 100 countries worldwide.

The hub of carnival related activities is the mas camp. Here, band leaders, costume designers, mas players and volunteers gather to produce costumes for competitive display.

Mas Camp Central (MCC) opened in May 2008 to showcase past, present & future carnival costumes, with the aim of keeping the spirit of carnival alive as viewed from a mas camp perspective.

Masquerade is the essence of carnival, and a mas camp is the factory for producing intricate costumes that provide the visual feast of carnival.

The atmosphere of a mas camp in full production is overflowing with passion, energy & commitment to the art & culture of carnival. MCC captures this atmosphere for visitors to experience the traditions, skills & creative processes that make carnival activities so engaging.

MCC is currently situated at 130 Dynamic Drive, Unit 13 Scarborough Ontario Canada with 800sq’ of showroom space and seating for twenty persons.

MCC started life with a simple aim of getting more people involved in Caribana. Over the past six months MCC has expanded the showcasing of costumes from ten to over one hundred display mannequins with costumes covering the past 15 years from Toronto & Trinidad carnivals. Also on display are books, magazines, DVD’s and photos of carnivals.

MCC began exploring the role of being the crossroad where business & carnival activities can meet & exchange ideas. This role further expanded to include schools & individuals participating in the varied aspects of carnival.

Today, MCC has the support of many masqueraders, mas band & section leaders, school teachers, Governments & community leaders.

MCC started a new direction in 2009 which is to acquire registration as a Not for Profit organization in Ontario Canada.

MCC began the process of welcoming cultural ambassadors, patrons, supporters, mentors & stakeholders in all aspects of carnival arts & culture to participate in this journey.

Anton Gabriel
Mas Camp Centre
130 Dynamic Drive Unit 13
Scarborough Ontario
416 524 1782